Episode 99(!) of the pod is a riveting and heart-hitting conversation with Darcy Totten, Executive Director of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. In this episode, you’ll hear about the Commission’s history, its growth over the course of 60 years, and the critical work it does to promote gender equity. Darcy is a staunch advocate for solidarity among women, and she shares personal stories about growing up queer in the 90s, braving home insecurity while straddling racial/class divides, and how her early-in-life experiences shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in collective action and inclusivity. Darcy shares tangible strategies for building collaborative communities and encourages a collective shift away from individualistic self-care toward a community-oriented worldview. We also delve into: how systemic changes can transform hearts and minds (versus the other way around), the unique role of women and/or gender-nonconforming folks in leadership, and the importance of making mistakes and learning from them. Darcy provides practical steps that each of us can take to actualize the collective imagination and dismantle hierarchical systems of power built by (and for) wealthy white men. This episode offers valuable insights for individual and communal empowerment, urging listeners to actively contribute to making the world a better place, not just for some, but for everyone.
listeners to actively contribute to making the world a better place, not just for some, but for everyone.
Darcy J. Totten serves as the Executive Director at the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. She has over 20 years of experience in crisis communications, journalism, public policy, and external affairs. Darcy has built nationally recognized efforts while at the Commission, including authoring the Commission’s award-winning original research report, the California Women’s Economic Blueprint for Pandemic Recovery, and the award-winning #womenareessential campaign highlighting the role of women as essential workers in California’s economy. She is an expert in social impact strategies, issue advocacy, crisis communications, and gender focused public policy. She is passionate about coalition building and working with intersectional and inclusive teams that prioritize historically marginalized communities. Darcy holds a bachelor’s degree from Mills College in studio art and visual communication and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She lives in Sacramento with her wife, Jasper, and too many cats.
December 3, 2025
You can find Darcy on LinkedIn. And click here to learn more about the California Commission on the Status of Women & Girls.
